The San Francisco 49ers have a tough task as they want to reach the Super Bowl. The NFC is really hard to predict and win. However, in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have a total domain. For George Kittle, one team can really threaten Patrick Mahomes and company.
For Kittle, the Las Vegas Raiders are serious candidates to have a great season, but it all depends on two things: Pete Carroll and edge rusher Maxx Crosby. “That’s a Pete Carroll team. That’s what they do. I like the vibe here. Let Maxx Crosby be Maxx Crosby, and they’re going to have a great year,” Kittle said to reporters.
Carroll was the mastermind of the famously vicious Legion of Boom, one of the most terrorizing defenses in NFL history. He must be salivating to coach Maxx Crosby, one of the best rushers in the league. As Kittle said, if you let Maxx Crosby do his thing, results will come.
Crosby unfairly lives on the shadows
Crosby has the numbers to be regarded as one of the best pass rushers. However, when the conversation arises, names like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons are the ones that spearhead that conversation. Realistically, Crosby deserves to be in that tier.
He averages 10.5 sacks per season and has gone to the Pro Bowl four seasons in a row. He’s also led the NFL twice in tackles for loss. Crosby is really a game wrecker. He will be the face of this Raiders defense.
The Raiders are pointing to a 180° turn
The Raiders have been one of the worst-handled franchises in recent years. From the failed Ja’Marcus Russell, who is labeled as the worst bust in NFL history, to the Antonio Brown fiasco and Josh McDaniels bad experiment as head coach, it seems like finally the Raiders are on a good path.
They brought a proven NFL veteran to be their quarterback in Geno Smith. They brought one of the few coaches that have a College and Super Bowl ring in Pete Carroll. Carroll also joined forces with Chip Kelly, who should become one of the best offensive coordinators in the league. All signs point to success from now on as they challenge the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes‘ dynasty.